Bradford became the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to pass for at least 300 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions during a road victory. He has the Rams in first place after 11 games and heading to Arizona with confidence. His 17 TD passes rank second to Dan Marino's 20 in 1983 among rookies through 11 games (Marino started 11 games that season, finishing with 20 TDs and six INTs). The scouts I spoke with Sunday and Monday said they envisioned Bradford dominating the NFC West for years to come. Bradford has 11 TDs and one INT since top receiver Mark Clayton landed on injured reserve after Week 5. He'll have to get by without tight end Michael Hoomanawanui now.

Hasselbeck wasn't the problem during Seattle's discouraging 42-24 defeat to Kansas City in Week 13. The veteran passer could not overcome Mike Williams' absence and the Seahawks' utter lack of a running game. Hasselbeck appears to be holding up reasonably well from a physical standpoint. The team has rested his arm throughout the season, a smart move that Hasselbeck has welcomed. Hasselbeck's ability to sustain drives appears to hinge upon Williams' availability. He could use more from receiver Deon Butler, who struggled Sunday. Hasselbeck's rapport with Ben Obomanu continues to improve.

Smith threw a 38-yard TD strike to Michael Crabtree when the 49ers wanted to strike aggressively following a Cardinals turnover Monday night. That was all the scoring San Francisco needed. The 49ers didn't ask much from Smith during their run-oriented victory. They'll probably need more from him over the remaining five games after losing Frank Gore to a fractured hip. The success San Francisco enjoyed on the ground against Arizona came against a porous Cardinals defense, after all. Smith has a 3-1 starting record since taking over the position. That has to count for something.

It's strange seeing Alex Smith walk onto the field as a team captain during the pregame coin tosses. He's the 49ers' forgotten man, but his captaincy has not lapsed. Smith was better last season when he took over for Shaun Hill and expectations were low. He posted a 1-6 starting record this season (down from 5-5 in 2009) and will have a hard time getting onto the field again as long as the 49ers remain on their current course.

Anderson has proven ill-equipped to lead the Cardinals' offense this season. He showed an alarming lack of poise amid repetitive questioning following the Cardinals' embarrassing defeat Monday night. If Anderson cannot handle a few questions he found annoying, how can anyone expect him to handle critical situations on the field? The Cardinals will have to consider giving Max Hall another shot at this rate.

Most questions I receive regarding the Seahawks' quarterback situation assume Whitehurst has already proved he's not the answer beyond this season. I'm not so sure we've seen enough from Whitehurst to make that determination. We also haven't seen enough from him for the Seahawks to count on Whitehurst as more than a potential competitor at the position.

The arrow for Hall points up only because Anderson's stock is falling. The Cardinals have lost six in a row. At some point, they might as well check out Hall or even fellow rookie John Skelton. This season is looking like a washout from a team standpoint.

The past two games have served notice that Hasselbeck can still play at a Pro Bowl level. Hasselbeck has completed 69.2 percent of his passes for 699 yards, two TDs, no INTs and a 105.7 rating in back-to-back games against Arizona and New Orleans. He has taken only one sack in those games. The recent push has left Hasselbeck with more TDs than INTs on the season for the first time since Week 1. Coach Pete Carroll and staff are showing more trust in Hasselbeck, turning him loose after several weeks of more conservative play. Hasselbeck has responded. He has triple-digit passer ratings in consecutive games for the first time since 2005.

Bradford set a rookie record for most pass attempts without an INT before the Atlanta Falcons picked him off Sunday. He has eight TDs and one INT over his past five games. He made it through the Atlanta game without taking a sack, something he had not done in any of his previous nine starts. The Rams have lost three of four following a 3-3 start, however. Bradford is averaging only 5.7 YPA, a reflection of the limitations in the Rams' offense. The team needs to upgrade Bradford's weapons during the offseason to help the QB take the next step.

What happened to the bold downfield passer we saw in the 49ers' previous two games? Smith had problems against Tampa Bay when one-on-one matchups failed to materialize the way they had previously. His protection also faltered. The game plan seemed more conservative. The running game disappeared. Smith threw an INT for the first time this season. San Francisco now faces four of its next five games on the road. Coach Mike Singletary has not committed to Smith as his starter. A matchup against Arizona's defense could help Smith bounce back.

Alex Smith had three TDs and no INTs in his final two games before suffering a shoulder injury. He failed to complete even half his passes in either game, however, and the passing game had issues. His injured left shoulder has healed enough for the 49ers to consider making him their starter again. The 49ers will have to decide whether the Bucs exposed Troy Smith in a manner that warrants another QB change in San Francisco. The fact that Singletary will not commit to Troy Smith has Alex Smith's stock trending up, if only slightly.

Anderson has generally cut down on turnovers since taking over the job during the Tampa Bay game in Week 8. The Cardinals have scored fewer points each week during that time, however. They aren't getting the return TDs that had pumped up their scoring and masked (from afar) issues that continue to linger on offense. Anderson has 796 yards, three TDs and one INT in his past two games. He has also taken 13 sacks in those games. Anderson simply doesn't deliver the ball accurately enough for the offense to sustain drives. Dropped passes hurt him Sunday.

Hasselbeck's re-emergence over the past couple games has more clearly defined the QB situation in Seattle. Whitehurst did not help himself by missing throws against the New York Giants and tossing an INT in relief against the Cardinals. He made some good throws in the Arizona game, but if Hasselbeck keeps playing well and Seattle remains atop the NFC West, the Seahawks might not see Whitehurst again this season.

The Cardinals are 0-4 in the last four games Anderson has started. They have lost five in a row overall in falling to 3-7 on the season. The more the Cardinals lose, the more incentive coach Ken Whisenhunt will have to give Hall another chance. Arizona remains only two games out of the NFC West race for now, however, so if Whisenhunt thinks Anderson gives the team its best chance at winning, there's no reason to make a QB change.

Carr's career with the 49ers peaked when fans at Candlestick Park chanted his name during the Philadelphia game. Singletary sent Carr into the huddle, only to change his mind when players pleaded with him to stick with Alex Smith. No one is chanting for Carr now even though Troy Smith is coming off a rough game and Alex Smith has a 1-6 starting record this season.

The Seahawks' veteran passer provided the leadership, toughness and passing his team needed to win at University of Phoenix Stadium for the first time. Hasselbeck's run as Seahawks quarterback appeared tenuous after he suffered eight sacks and a concussion at Oakland. But with Charlie Whitehurst throwing an interception in relief and Hasselbeck lighting up the Cardinals' secondary in Week 10, there's no question which quarterback gives Seattle its best chance at victory. The big question entering Week 11 is whether an injured left wrist will prevent Hasselbeck from playing or remaining effective when Seattle visits New Orleans.

The Rams fell to 0-4 on the road even though Bradford put together what easily could have stood as a defining drive late in regulation. Tight end Daniel Fells dropped a pass similar to the one he caught for a touchdown against Carolina in the Rams' previous game. He might have scored on this one, too. Instead, the Rams had to settle for the tying field goal. Bradford completed better than 70 percent of his passes despite playing much of the game without his starting left tackle. He missed a couple throws, including when a wide-open Danny Amendola was running down the middle of the field. Bradford's pass sailed just long, depriving the Rams of a touchdown.

The 49ers' new quarterback has completed 17 of 20 passes for 357 yards on first down this season. He owns a 2-0 starting record and has suffered no turnovers. The 49ers previously were turning over the ball too frequently. Smith has a strong feel for the game and situations. Teammates are responding to his aggressive mindset. Smith has clearly provided an adrenaline rush for the 49ers. The question now becomes whether Smith can perform consistently enough for the 49ers to keep winning. San Francisco went 0-for-11 on third down against the Rams. Smith has had success on early downs in part because opponents knew the 49ers might lean even more heavily on the run with a new quarterback.

Coach Mike Singletary has not yet named his starting quarterback for the 49ers' Week 11 game against Tampa Bay at Candlestick Park. Troy Smith seemingly has to be the choice. If Singletary handles the situation well, the switch to Troy Smith doesn't have to obliterate Alex Smith as an option at some point in the future. The team could always go back to Alex Smith if Troy Smith struggled. For now, however, Alex Smith appears to be on the outside.

The Cardinals started quickly on offense against Seattle and Anderson played a role. Arizona finally scored an opening-drive touchdown. The longer Anderson is on the field, however, the more his shortcomings become apparent. He needs strong support from the Cardinals' defense and running game. The defense was horrible Sunday. The running game was limited via injuries and game situations. The Cardinals still had a shot until Seattle's Aaron Curry sacked Anderson and forced a fumble, which the Seahawks recovered. There's no sense in making a quarterback change in Arizona after this game, but if the Cardinals keep losing, that will change.

The Seahawks' confidence in Whitehurst can't be particularly high after shaky showings in back-to-back weeks. Whitehurst tossed an interception and led a drive to a field goal when subbing for an injured Hasselbeck in the third quarter Sunday. Hasselbeck had conducted target practice against Arizona's secondary. It's important to remember that Whitehurst has hardly played in the NFL. Whether starting or coming off the bench unexpectedly in relief, these are new situations for Whitehurst. So far, he hasn't produced well enough.

The Rams' rookie leader has exceeded reasonable expectations on nearly all fronts except one. He has not led the Rams to victory on the road. That must change for St. Louis to avoid another losing season. The team faces some good QBs on the road in the second half of the season (Kyle Orton, Drew Brees), so it will not be easy. But Bradford is gaining momentum lately with five TDs and no INTs in his past three games.

Twenty-five quarterbacks have more TD passes than Hasselbeck this season. From 2003 through 2007 and even last season, Hasselbeck reached his current TD total no later than Week 5. The totals aren't likely to spike while the Seahawks continue to embrace a conservative approach on offense. Hasselbeck has only one INT and a 2-1 record in his past three starts, so the approach has worked to an extent. The Seahawks expect Hasselbeck to return against Arizona in Week 10. The QB has three TDs and six INTs in his last four games against the Cardinals, however.

One game isn't much to go on, but the 49ers aren't complaining about the results. Smith helped them to a badly needed victory over Denver and he's the favorite to start against the Rams in Week 10. Smith needs to improve his efficiency on third down, where his rating was only 70.4 against the Broncos (compared to 113.2 on first down and 139.1 on second down). Getting Vernon Davis back from injury should help.

Smith posted his three highest single-game passer ratings of the season before suffering a sprained left shoulder. The passing game was appearing disjointed, however. Smith failed to complete even half his passes in his two most recent starts. Coach Mike Singletary sounds inclined to leave Troy Smith in the lineup for another week. It's a critical time for Alex Smith. He needs a strong finish.

Anderson played a turnover-free game against Minnesota, putting the Cardinals in position to pull off an upset. This game marked an improvement for Anderson on that basis alone. He'll move up the list with a similar showing against Seattle in Week 10. Anderson posted a 91.7 passer rating against Minnesota, his highest in a game since the 2008 season.

The Seahawks used two or more tight ends on about two-thirds of their offensive snaps against the New York Giants, a stunning figure for a team that fell behind 35-0 in the first half. The approach helped Whitehurst play a full game without getting sacked, a huge upset. But the offense wasn't dynamic at all. Whitehurst, for his part, missed receivers too frequently, notably on a third-and-1 trick play that could have given Seattle momentum.

Carr was quite efficient in relief for the Giants last season, but the 49ers have showed virtually no faith in him. They gave Carr only a brief opportunity to change their minds, but Carr only reinforced their feelings about him with a late INT against Carolina.

Ron Jaworski's stinging criticisms of Hall appear well founded, although plenty of eventually productive QBs struggled early in their careers. Jaworski became a Pro Bowler after beginning his career with one TD and eight INTs. There's still time for Hall, but the Cardinals need to stick with Anderson for now.

The Rams rookie has five TD passes without an INT in his past three games. He has 11 TD passes in his first eight NFL games, matching Ben Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning and Dan Marino for the most since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Bradford has six TDs, zero INTs and a 101.2 rating on third down this season. He set a career high against Carolina by completing 78.1 percent of his passes.

Eight sacks and a 13-for-32 passing performance against Oakland dragged down Hasselbeck's standing. He won't miss Oakland if this was his last start there. The Seahawks have converted twice in 27 third-down chances at Oakland in Hasselbeck's past two starts there, the previous one coming in 2002. Hasselbeck needs left tackle Russell Okung back in the lineup.

So far, so good for the 49ers' new starter. Smith averaged 10.3 yards per attempt with one TD rushing and one TD passing. He made timely plays and avoided turnovers. The 49ers have a bye week and that should help Smith settle into the starting job. Coach Mike Singletary wouldn't name his starter for Week 10, but can the team really afford to go backward?

The 49ers expect Alex Smith's left shoulder to recover in time for him to be cleared for the team's game against St. Louis following the bye. There's no reason to rush him back into the lineup after Troy Smith helped lead a 21-point fourth quarter to beat Denver, however.

Anderson provided an upgrade in relief for the second game in a row. Then as now, the longer he was on the field, the worse the results. Anderson tossed a pair of first-down INTs in the final 5:08 of a close game, killer turnovers that showed, again, how little the Cardinals can trust him to protect the football.

Carr did not play in Week 8 and he probably won't play for the 49ers unless an injury forces him onto the field. The INT he threw late in the Carolina game made the 49ers' decision to play Troy Smith an easier one.

The Bucs returned two of his INTs for touchdowns to take a 21-14 lead with 6:33 left in the second quarter. The Cardinals had seen enough at that point. They benched Hall, went with Anderson and outscored the Bucs by four points the rest of the way. Coach Ken Whisenhunt did not immediately name a starter for Week 9, but it's tough to envision the team having much confidence in Hall.

Hasselbeck has gone back-to-back weeks without an interception for the first time since Weeks 12 and 13 last season. He's developing a strong rapport with receiver Mike Williams, particularly on third down. Hasselbeck has completed all nine third-down attempts to Williams in the Seahawks' past two games, converting eight first downs. Seattle scored only one TD in seven red zone possessions Sunday, however, and there were times when Hasselbeck invited sacks by holding the ball too long. He faces a potentially difficult matchup against Nnamdi Asomugha and the Oakland Raiders' defense in Week 8.

Bradford posted his highest passer rating of the season Sunday even though this wasn't his best game. Bradford appeared less accurate than usual, completing only half of his passes for 126 yards. But the offense started quickly, jumping out to a 17-3 lead in the first half. Bradford avoided throwing an interception for the second week in a row and the second time in his career (although he did lose a fumble). Turnover avoidance can be half the battle even for veteran quarterbacks. Injuries at receiver could be catching up to Bradford. Returning home to face Carolina in Week 8 should give him a chance to bounce back.

Smith started quickly against the Panthers, continuing a recent trend. But the offense stagnated and Smith appeared completely out of rhythm before an injured left shoulder knocked him from the game. The injury, Smith's season-long performance and the 49ers' 1-6 record are making this look like the quarterback's final season with the organization. The 49ers have not yet said how long Smith might miss while recovering from the injury, however.

The Cardinals' offense perked up and drove toward its first touchdown since Sept. 26 when Anderson entered the game Sunday against Seattle. Anderson completed his first four passes for 67 yards. He then completed 4 of 13 passes for 29 yards during the rest of the game. The performance wasn't good enough for coach Ken Whisenhunt to name Anderson his starter against the Bucs in Week 8.

The 49ers weren't asking for much from Carr when they put him into a 10-10 game early in the second half. They leaned heavily on Frank Gore, as expected, and happily accepted the defensive TD that gave them a 20-13 lead with 12:52 remaining in the fourth quarter. But when the 49ers needed a few passes to sustain drives, Carr was unable to deliver. The interception he threw on second-and-14 with 1:14 remaining put the Panthers in position to win the game.

Hall struggled against the Seahawks and has yet to produce a touchdown drive in two starts. Hall lacks size and it appeared as though wet conditions made it tougher for him to throw the football with accuracy. Hall has taken a pounding this season, leaving both starts with injuries. He returned against New Orleans, but not against Seattle. Whisenhunt is sticking with Hall as his starter and Hall will presumably fare better at home in Week 8.

Hasselbeck remains in the top spot after becoming the first NFC West quarterback this season to lead his team to victory against a non-division opponent on the road. Hasselbeck appeared more comfortable than he has all season. This was his first game without a sack since the 2009 opener against St. Louis. He pushed the offensive tempo and threw confidently, particularly to receiver Mike Williams. Hasselbeck threw no interceptions after tossing at least one in eight consecutive games dating to last season. He had a legitimate shot at a 300-yard passing day until tight end John Carlson dropped a third-quarter pass for what would have been a big gain. This performance ended for now any thoughts about a quarterback change in Seattle. Hasselbeck looked like the man Sunday.

Bradford went without an interception for the first time in six NFL starts, posting a season-high 87.8 rating in a victory the Rams badly needed. Bradford continues to show good toughness, durability and leadership. He has overcome significant personnel losses (Donnie Avery, Mark Clayton). Bradford might have padded his stats some if the Rams had gone with a more aggressive game plan after building a double-digit lead in the first half. Then again, he's a rookie and might have turned over the ball, too. The bottom line, though, was that Bradford played well enough early for the Rams to take control and play the second half on their terms. One other thing: Bradford is 3-3 as an NFL starter for a team that had a 3-33 record in its previous 36 games.

Let's not focus too much on the aesthetics of the 49ers' 17-9 victory over the Raiders in Week 6. Smith tossed two touchdown passes, including a 32-yarder to Michael Crabtree when the 49ers absolutely needed a play along those lines. Smith went without an interception for the first time this season. For as much as the 49ers wanted Smith and the offense to take a significant step forward this season, turnover avoidance stood as the top priority following a 0-5 start. For reference, consider that Smith tossed no interceptions in four of the 49ers' final six games last season. The team went 4-2 over that stretch. The 49ers are now 1-0 this season when Smith avoids turnovers. And with 0-5 Carolina on the schedule next week, turnover avoidance should remain the priority. Sometimes teams must learn not to lose before they learn how to win.

Hall lost ground in the rankings during a Cardinals bye week that saw every other quarterback in the division win his game without throwing an interception. Hall faces the toughest challenge of any NFC West quarterback in Week 7 when he visits Qwest Field for the first time as a professional. At least there's a good chance receivers Steve Breaston and Early Doucet will return from injuries.

The bye week made Hasselbeck the top-rated quarterback in the division by default. Seattle's veteran passer could be nearing a crossroads, however. Another performance like the one he provided during a 20-3 defeat at St. Louis before the bye seems entirely plausible heading onto the road against a 4-1 Chicago Bears team featuring Julius Peppers rushing off the edge. If that happens, no one should be surprised to see the Seahawks give Charlie Whitehurst a shot at the job. But if Marshawn Lynch and a healthier offensive line restore balance to the offense, Hasselbeck can hold onto his job and, perhaps, the top spot in these weekly rankings.

The No. 1 overall draft choice played like a rookie following a two-week stretch when he more closely resembled a seasoned veteran. He posted a season-low 46.1 rating during the Rams' 44-6 defeat at Detroit. Losing top receiver Mark Clayton barely a month after losing previous top receiver Donnie Avery puts Bradford in a tough spot. The team needs rookie tight end Mike Hoomanawanui to pick up where he left off before suffering a severe high-ankle sprain. At least the Rams remain reasonably healthy on their offensive line, and Steven Jackson has fought through a groin injury pretty well. The injuries at receiver will still come at a price, however. Brandon Gibson and Mardy Gilyard must pick up the pace.

The Cardinals probably put too much faith in Hall against New Orleans. They spread the field, emptied the backfield and put the ball in the rookie's hands during critical third-down situations when running the ball arguably made more sense from a time-management standpoint. Hall responded by playing aggressively and fearlessly. Maybe a little too fearlessly. But the Cardinals emerged with a victory they needed badly heading into their bye week. Teammates said they responded to Hall's confidence and energy. That and the win were enough for Hall to take the third spot in the rankings this week.

Smith has sometimes been at his best very early in games and then once games appear to have slipped away in the fourth quarter. He hasn't been good enough during those moments when games swing one way or another. Take Sunday night. The 49ers trailed the Eagles, 17-10, early in the fourth quarter. A good quarterback leads his team down the field to tie the game. Not Smith. The Eagles flustered him, chased him down, forced a fumble and returned the ball for a back-breaking touchdown. Only then did Smith come alive. His team trailed by two touchdowns by then. Smith did just enough to make it look like he's on the verge of great things. There's nothing great about an 0-5 record, however.

Peyton Manning had three TDs, 11 INTs and a 0-4 record in his first four regular-season games. He also took 11 sacks. Bradford has six TDs, six INTs and a 2-2 record with 10 sacks. Both joined the worst teams in the league. Bradford is faring better through four games and well enough to take over the No. 1 spot in my weekly divisional rankings. The bar is not particularly high in the NFC West right now, but Bradford's poise and command are more impressive than his stats to this point. The Rams believe in him.

Seattle's veteran quarterback has thrown more TDs than INTs in a game just once this season and twice in his past 13 games dating to last season. Coach Pete Carroll committed to Hasselbeck as his starter following the Seahawks' 20-3 defeat at St. Louis in Week 4. The bye should give Seattle a chance to get its offensive line in place and begin evolving into a more aggressive team offensively. Hasselbeck doesn't deal with uncertainty particularly well, in my opinion, and there's lots of uncertainty for him right now -- constantly changing personnel, a new offense, new coaches, Charlie Whitehurst's presence and no contract for Hasselbeck beyond this season.

The fourth-quarter drive he led against New Orleans and the 49ers' opening TD drive against Atlanta in Week 4 let Smith hold onto the third spot despite a 0-4 starting record this season. Let's face it, though: Ranking third among quarterbacks in this division isn't good enough. The 49ers have only one legitimate TD drive to show for their losses to Seattle, Kansas City and Atlanta. Smith's job appears safe because the 49ers do not have an alternative they consider ready or viable, and the team remains only two games back in the division after playing three of its first four games on the road. Smith must improve now that the schedule becomes more favorable.

Larry Fitzgerald rode to Anderson's defense after the Cardinals benched their quarterback against San Diego. Anderson could use that kind of protection from his offensive line, too. Fitzgerald is right when he says Anderson is not solely to blame for the Cardinals' problems on offense, but it's also fair to say Anderson hasn't been part of the solution, either. He has struggled throwing to a depleted cast of receivers. His accuracy remains a weakness.

The undrafted rookie took six sacks after replacing Anderson, but at least he avoided interceptions. Whether or not Hall gets the start against New Orleans in Week 5, it's clear he's going to start at some point this season. Somewhat amazingly, that might not prevent the Cardinals from competing within the division. It could actually help if Hall develops quickly, the Cardinals get healthy at receiver and Beanie Wells emerges as expected.

The Seahawks' passing game remains somewhat out of sync, especially as the team shuffles players through the skill-position spots within its base personnel. Hasselbeck still leads NFC West starters in yards per pass attempt. He's completing a healthy percentage overall. The Seahawks are giving Hasselbeck a chance with better-than-expected pass protection and game plans that move Hasselbeck away from pressure. The struggles from the base offense stand out when looking at Hasselbeck's passer ratings by down: 55.8 on first, 76.4 on second and 106.3 on third.

Bradford can assume the top spot on this list if he can outplay Hasselbeck and lead the Rams to victory against Seattle in Week 4. Both quarterbacks have four touchdown passes and five interceptions this season. Bradford has zero touchdowns, four interceptions and a 28.3 rating on first down. He has three touchdowns, no interceptions and a 106.8 rating on second down. Teams can be less predictable on second down, when coordinators have more flexibility with their play calling. Perhaps that accounts for the difference. Bradford appears comfortable when the Rams run a faster-paced offense. Two-minute situations seem to suit him.

Anderson has been streaky, to say the least. He's been at his best deep in the red zone, completing 3 of 4 passes with two touchdowns and no interceptions from inside the opponents' 10-yard line. Still, it's fair to say the Cardinals are 2-1 in spite of their quarterback play, not because of it. Anderson shows admirable toughness. He's also tough to watch when he misses receivers. Anderson is completing 52 percent of his passes overall. Only Bruce Gradkowski, Jimmy Clausen and Matt Moore are completing a lower percentage among quarterbacks with at least 14 attempts per game this season.

Smith has thrown three of his five interceptions on third down. He failed to build upon the tying drive he led against New Orleans a week ago. The 49ers have problems beyond Smith right now, but it's tougher to say Smith is part of the solution after a 0-3 start and two horrid road performances. Smith probably remains the 49ers' best option after the team traded away Shaun Hill. But if NFL teams had to choose their starters for Week 4 from the current starters in the division, I don't think Smith would generate much momentum. The 49ers have converted only five times in 32 third-down chances on the road.

Hasselbeck is the only quarterback in the division with an impressive victory on his résumé this season, so he holds the top spot. But that might not last with another game like the one Hasselbeck played at Denver. This marked the third time in his last five starts (dating to last season) that Hasselbeck tossed at least three interceptions. His rating through two weeks is now lower than it was last season.

Smith is the only NFC West quarterback to lead the tying or go-ahead drive in the final two minutes of a fourth quarter this season. He played well enough late in the 49ers' 25-22 defeat Monday night to nudge past Bradford for the second spot at this point in the season. Smith scrambled effectively, stared down blitzers, found open receivers and commanded the offense effectively with the game on the line. He held up his end against a championship opponent.

Bradford is the only quarterback in the division to keep his team close in each of the first two games of the season. He completed his first seven passes for 98 yards and a score against Oakland in Week 2. He also rallied the Rams with a 59-yard touchdown drive in the final four minutes.

The Cardinals failed to convert even once on third down during their 41-7 defeat to the Falcons. Anderson was not entirely or even mostly to blame for the overall performance, but neither was he good enough to keep the Cardinals more competitive. Arizona must protect him better.

His passer rating suffered from two interceptions thrown in desperation, but there was much to like about Bradford's leadership Sunday. The Cardinals' veteran defense could not make him blink. Bradford recovered a fumble and made a tackle, too.

Smith could have used some help out there, particularly from receiver Michael Crabtree, but his leadership wasn't strong enough. The 49ers converted only once in 15 third-down plays and a lot of that is on the QB.

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